The Walterboro community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Ryan Koontz, who passed away Saturday night following a devastating two-vehicle crash on US-17A near Clubhouse Road. Ryan was driving his 2015 Dodge SUV shortly before 11 p.m. when a 2021 Ford pickup traveling in the opposite direction crossed the center line and collided head-on with his vehicle. Despite the immediate response of first responders, Ryan succumbed to the severe injuries he sustained in the crash. Two other individuals were taken to a nearby hospital, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
While the details of the crash are tragic, Ryan’s life deserves to be remembered for far more than the way it ended. He was known by those closest to him as dependable, generous, and quietly strong — someone whose presence brought comfort and steadiness to the people he cared about. Friends often described him as the kind of person who would show up when you needed help, lend a hand without being asked, and never expect recognition in return. Ryan lived with sincerity, humility, and a deep appreciation for the people around him.
Family members say he approached life with a warm heart and a grounded spirit, valuing simple joys: time with loved ones, good conversations, and the satisfaction of hard work. His loss leaves an emptiness that words struggle to capture, and the pain felt across the community speaks to the impact he made during his time here.
As loved ones begin to navigate the difficult days ahead, they take comfort in the memories he created — memories filled with laughter, kindness, and the quiet ways he made the world better for those fortunate enough to know him.
May Ryan Koontz be remembered with the love, dignity, and respect he so deeply deserved. May his family and friends find strength in one another as they honor his life and carry his spirit forward.
